“Courage is grace under pressure.”
—Ernest Hemingway

One last Snakes on a Plane post before I head out on vacation, since the flick will be opening the day I return.

Fans of the South Park Underpants Gnomes will appreciate the perfect nature of this graphic posted over on snakesonablog.

If you can stand one more AOL story, click through to this article from today’s New York Times. It illustrates a crucial point about AOL’s recent privacy screw up in particular and online privacy in general:

Even though it can be claimed that there’s no personally identifiable information there (the AOL user name was replaced by an anonymous code number), it’s what that anonymous user does that, with a minimum of sleuthing, can quickly point to a specific individual.

Yep: scary.

Takeaway for marketers: If you’re dealing with online privacy issues, there’s no such thing as erring on the side of caution. An overabundance of caution should be your norm.

Since non-members seldom see this stuff (and members seldom read it), here’s the email AOL sent out recently to explain their price change:

Dear AOL Member,

I want to let you know about some exciting changes happening at AOL. Our service has always provided both a way to connect to the Web and an entertaining online destination once you’re connected.

Today we are announcing that AOL’s software, email, and many compelling AOL features — including your Address Book, Screen Name, the Buddy List® feature and more — will be free to everyone with an Internet connection.

What Does This Mean for You?

Nothing about your service arrangement with us will change unless you want it to. Your current plan, which includes 24/7 customer support, unlimited email storage, your email addresses and all the AOL content and services you rely on, will still be there for you.

Even if you choose a different high-speed provider from the one you use to connect to the Internet today:

• You can keep your AOL Screen Name and email address for as long as you want to use it, completely free;
• You can continue to use your AOL software, and you can still get all your favorite features and content, completely free;
• You will still get the most comprehensive free set of safety and security tools available, plus world-class, high-speed content like video, music and more.

All of this is free, no matter who provides your Internet connection.

Why Is AOL Doing This?

We’re simply changing with the times. There are many options for Internet access, whether it’s dial-up or broadband. At the same time, a lot of online content and services are now available on the Web free of charge because they are supported by advertising. So, while your Internet connectivity needs may change over time, what you love about the Web does not. We are now able to ensure that the familiar AOL experience, your Screen Name, your Address Book, your Buddy List, your Favorite Places, and other content and features you enjoy, will always be available to you for free.

In September, you will be hearing about more changes and other new features at AOL. Until then, you can visit AOL Keyword: New AOL for more information and to sign up for informative email alerts.

Sincerely,

Jon Miller
Chairman and CEO
AOL LLC

Here’s the latest AOL horror story to hit the mainstream press, as if this wasn’t bad enough.

AUGUST 7 UPDATE: Whoops — this isn’t such good news, either. A taste: “AOL has released very private data about its users without their permission.”